Protected Areas

PROTECTED AREASSince 1992, Costa Rica is the worldwide headquarters of the "COUNCIL OF THE EARTH" for his initiative in the field of natural resource conservation.

Currently, the National System of Conservation Areas (SINAC) of the Ministry of Environment, Energy and Telecommunications (MINAE) is responsible for the care and preservation of more than 30 units scattered throughout the country who consist of a set of national parks or land and marine biological reserves.

It is the country with the world's largest protected area: 1,342.900 hectares, which corresponds to 26.3% of the country. The importance of natural resources of Costa Rica transcends borders and protects life forms, flora and fauna in danger of extinction. All this makes the country to become a destination for tourism.

These areas have, mostly, with easy access and stay to enjoy it, as they meet the existing habitats. In these protected areas can be hiking, birding, camping and enjoy the rivers, beaches, forests, volcanoes, historic and archaeological sites and also to observe events of great ecological importance on the continent. For his merits in the conservation of natural resources, Costa Rica has won awards St. Francis of Assisi and the Price of Ecology Organization ASTA (Association of Travel Agencies USA) in collaboration with the Smithsonian Magazine.